Troy A. Strawn of Fayetteville, AR passed away January 21, 2021 in Bella Vista at Concordia Health & Rehab. He was born on August 18, 1946 in Astoria, Oregon to Walter and Irene Zelma Strawn.
He is preceded in death by both parents.
Troy grew up in Corvallis, Oregon. After high school, Troy proudly joined the Air Force and was stationed in Vietnam. Upon returning from the Air Force he enrolled in Oregon State University where he received his teaching credential. He moved to California and was hired by the Las Virgenes Unified School District and taught at Agoura High School, Agoura Hills, California. During this time Troy went back to school and received his Master’s Degree. Troy taught architecture, mechanical drawing, computer drawing and woodshop. Troy loved teaching and retired after 38 years.
Troy enjoyed gardening and especially his vegetable garden, and what he was going to plant ever spring. He enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting and making projects in his shop. He was always doing something to keep busy.
Troy enjoyed going to Rick’s Bakery to have coffee with his veteran buddies during the week and always had a good time. He was a good man and enjoyed life, loved his family, and was a friend to everyone, and those who knew him are better for having done so.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cherene (Mimi); son, Troy Jr. of Minnesota; stepsons, Mark Randoph Jr. (Nicole) of Cour de Alene, Idaho and Christopher Randolph of Chandler, Arizona; 4 grandchildren, his sister, Linda (John) Dulaney of Salem, Oregon; brother, Gregg Strawn of Corvallis, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial will be at a later date.
Interment was in the Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.
He was absolutely one of my favorite teacher.
He taught me the importance of being a “Renaissance Man.”
He had a great love for life.
I will miss him.
I am saddened but privileged to have worked with this dedicated, caring professional who saw true value and worth in everyone of his students. His warm and gentle interaction with kids and colleagues served as a model for all. I don’t believe I ever heard a mean comment come from, or about this incredible man. He has left a forever mark on all of us.
Respectfully,
Larry Misel, Retired AHS Principal
I am saddened to hear this news. He was a kind man. I have such fond and funny memories of Troy. Especially the year he shared a classroom with me. The kids would say the craziest things and Troy would take it in stride and I was completely entertained. He made every class unique!!
I am sorry for the loss of Troy, he was an inspiring teacher. I just want to let you know that Troy had an impact on many students and beyond. My son had Troy in high school. He later went on to do Peace Corp. Matt used many of the skills he learned from Troy’s class to help the indigenous village he worked with in Panama to build latrines and water catchment systems. A teacher never really knows how big an impact they have on the world. Troy’s positive impact was huge.
I had the privilege of working with Troy at Agoura High School. He was a kind hearted man that always said hello and never passed up an opportunity to catch up. When I first came to campus, he was one of the first to introduces himself, he helped me realize that teaching is about the students and the relationships. I became a better teacher having him around me. Troy cared about his students and was always willing to do what he can to make sure they had all the help they needed. I am truly sorry for the entire Strawn family, blessing to you all during this time.
Respectfully,
Clint Cummings
Cherene (and family). I was so very, very sorry to hear that Troy has left us (for a far better place). I had the distinct pleasure of being Troy’s principal at Agoura High School for almost 15 years. It was a personal and professional pleasure to work with him. He was a talented teacher who was held in the highest esteem by all that had the good fortune to know him as teacher, professional colleague, or friend. It was my good fortune to know him in all of those capacities. He was truly a very special person. You and your family are in my daily thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
My condolences for your loss. Currently, I teach at Agoura High School. We received a message about Troy and, although he retired from the district many years before I began teaching here, I wanted to pass along my sympathies. I read that Troy liked to “hang out with his Veteran buddies.” I am a Veteran myself and Commandant of the Marine Corps League #597 Simi Valley. We provide Honor Guards for Veterans’ families who may want some military honors esp. during times when activity duty cannot help out. I’ve attached info from the closest Marine Corps League to Fayetteville. If you wish, please contact them and see what they can do to support Troy’s burial. Semper Fi and Godspeed
Contact Name: Kathy Jeffrey Email Contact: nwamarines@gmail.com
1885 Bella Vista Way, Bella Vista, AR 72714, USA
303-304-9755
I’m so sorry. Troy was a wonderful, knowledgeable colleague at Agoura High School. As a first year teacher, he offered me sound, sensible advice and always had a smile on his face. He was a friend to many teachers, administrators, classified staff, parents, and students. A good man with a good heart.
Dear Mimi…So sorry to hear of Troy’s passing. My husband, Les, & he were such good friends for so many years…& we always enjoyed our times with him & you while Troy, Jr. was growing up!
Those are very special memories.
BIG “HUGS” to you, Mimi…! 🤗🤗🤗
Karleen
Mimi I so sorry for your loss. Please email me loriannphd@gmail.com. 🙏🙏❤️
Troy and I were best friends in High School and stayed in touch during our time in the military and college. He was Best Man at my wedding in 1970 and my marriage is still going strong. We lost touch when he started teaching in California and I was teaching and raising a family in Oregon.
I am thankful for having had a friend in Troy.
To the Strawn Family: My Sincere Condolences at the loss of a great man, I know you all miss him terribly. Troy: You were a great man, always willing to give of your time and energy. You were my mentor the first four years of my teaching career, when I was given the wood shop at Indian Hills in 1978. You took me through all the ins and outs of the shop, and how to safely conduct the class. You spent countless hours helping me find and develop projects for my students. You were always available for discussions about education, once I transferred to Agoura High to teach science in 1985, and how to best handle the high school student. You had such an impact on so many students, and young teachers, during your career. You will be remembered and passed on for many years to come. Your legacy is a part of education at Agoura High School. It will be passed from one generation of teachers to another, as well as to the students you loved so much, even after your name is not associated with the instruction being given. It was my pleasure to call you mentor, colleague, and most importantly, friend. Thank you for all the influence you had on me, Dennis
I am sorry hear about mr strawn
He was a wonderful great Teacher
And also wonderful friend
I just now found out about it
I am saddened for him
That he has passed on
He was the best at what he does
As Teacher of manny things
I was one of his students in his
Wood shop
Al ways thought of him.
May god watch over him
And his family
Sincerely Scott m Wells
Student .
Wow he was the best teacher I ever had. He taught woodshop with Grace took days in stride. So sorry for your loss.